Subject Details - Stage 1 Philosophy

  
SACE StageSACE Stage 1
IB Subject GroupHumanities
SACE Credits10 credits
Subject Length1 semester
DescriptionPhilosophy involves the rational investigation of questions about existence, knowledge and ethics, to which there are no simple answers.

Investigation of these problems through the study of Philosophy requires critical reasoning, developed through an understanding of reasoning and the foundations of argument analysis.

Philosophy promotes respect for intellectual integrity as a human value and develops students' skills to engage in philosophical argument.

Students build their capacity to be creative and independent critical thinkers who can articulate and justify philosophical positions and argue reasoned action.
Topics1) Ethics: study of moral values and reasoning about right and wrong.
2) Epistemology: philosophical study of theories about knowledge and what it means to know something.
3) Metaphysics: study of existence and reality.
AssessmentSchool based assessment including:

AT 1: Folio (40%)
a) Use reasoning to identify the elements of good and bad arguments with reference to one or more sources.
b) Use reasoning to support or contest a point of view in relation to an idea.

AT 2: Issues Analysis (30%)
a) Investigate and discuss a contemporary issue such as the provision of public and private services.
b) Investigate and discuss a future issue such as population growth.

AT 3: Issues Study (30%)
a) Students identify and investigate a particular issue of interest and use philosophical arguments to discuss a resolution to the issue.

These are assessed against SACE performance standards:
1) Knowledge and Understanding
2) Reasoning
3) Critical Analysis and Communication.
SACE Assessment PlanPhilosophy
Suggested Prior LearningGood literacy skills with a willingness to engage in discussion.
Additional InformationStationery - A4 Ring binder, A4 Display Folder and A4 plain and lined paper.